Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Severe Tropical Storm Uwan (International name: Fung-wong) slightly intensified as of Friday afternoon, latest forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) showed.

Pagasa said Fung-wong was given a local name even before it entered the PAR because tropical cyclone wind signals have been raised.

Pagasa’s weather update showed that Uwan was now packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 km/h. It remains outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), located 1,175 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.

It was moving west at a speed of 25 km/h, and may enter the PAR between Friday night and early Saturday morning.

As of now, the following areas are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1:

Luzon:

southeastern portion of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Calauag, Lopez, Buenavista, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Narciso, San Andres, San Francisco), the eastern portion of Romblon (Cajidiocan, San Fernando, Magdiwang)

Camarines Norte

Camarines Sur

Catanduanes

Albay

Sorsogon

Masbate

Visayas:

Northern Samar

Eastern Samar

Samar

Biliran

Leyte

Southern Leyte

northern and central portions of Cebu (Medellin, Daanbantayan, City of Bogo, Tabogon, San Remigio, Tabuelan, Borbon, Sogod, Tuburan, Catmon, Carmen, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Cordova, Asturias, Cebu City, Balamban, City of Talisay, Toledo City, Minglanilla), including Bantayan and Camotes Islands

northeastern portion of Bohol (Getafe, Talibon, Buenavista, Trinidad, San Miguel, Ubay, Alicia, Mabini, Bien Unido, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia)

northern portion of Negros Occidental (City of Escalante, Toboso, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Calatrava, Manapla)

northeastern portion of Capiz (President Roxas, Pilar, Panay, Pontevedra)

northeastern portion of Iloilo (Carles, Estancia, Balasan, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Batad, Sara, Ajuy)

Mindanao:

Dinagat Islands

Surigao del Norte

‘The wind signals warn the public of the general wind threat over an area due to the tropical cyclone. Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction,’ Pagasa said in its weather update.

‘Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1,’ it added.

Pagasa also reiterated that they expect Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 to be raised as Uwan is seen to intensify into a super typhoon-category cyclone.

As of Friday afternoon, Uwan is expected to intensify into a typhoon-category cyclone by 2 a.m. on Saturday. Pagasa’s forecast track shows that Uwan will eventually turn west-northwestward and head for Isabela province.

By Sunday morning, Uwan would have intensified already into a super typhoon. Pagasa said the cyclone may reach its peak during that time, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, while it is 305 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes.

It is still expected to make landfall over Isabela province or northern Aurora between Monday morning and Monday afternoon.

‘Uwan will move generally westward in the next 24 hours, then west-northwestward for most of the forecast period. On the track forecast, this TC is forecast to enter the PAR tonight or early morning tomorrow (Nov. 8),’ Pagasa said.

‘Furthermore, Uwan is forecast to make landfall over the southern portion of Isabela or the northern portion of Aurora on Sunday (Nov. 9) late evening or on Monday (Nov. 10) early morning. After landfall, Uwan will traverse the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon and emerge over the West Philippine Sea on Monday morning or afternoon,’ it added.

Passing over Luzon’s mountainous areas is seen to weaken Uwan, as it may emerge over La Union’s waters as a typhoon category cyclone.

Uwan’s threat looms over Luzon, just days after Typhoon Tino battered through Visayas, along with parts of Southern Luzon and Northern Mindanao. As of Friday morning, the death toll due to Tino is at 185, with 135 individuals still missing.

Several local government units have announced class suspension or a shift to alternative learning modes as early as Friday, in anticipation of Uwan’s impact on the country over the weekend.

In the halls of learning, our teachers are the true architects of our nation’s future. It is a profession of continuous growth, and for many, that growth culminates in a master’s or doctoral degree. But what exactly are our educators studying, and is it truly preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow’s classroom?

The Teacher Education Council (TEC) recently conducted an analysis of teacher data drawn from the Department of Education (DepEd) School Form 7 (SF7): School Personnel Assignment List and Basic Profile. This analysis of our public school teachers with graduate degrees reveals a vivid, if slightly concerning, picture regarding their specialization.

We found that among over 128,000 public school teachers holding master’s degrees, a more popular focused specialization is not a core subject like math or English, but educational leadership and management, accounting for 12.4 percent of the total. A similar pattern appears at the doctoral level, where educational leadership and management is also the top focused track (14.8 percent).

While general education accounts for the largest share of graduate degrees (50.4 percent at the master’s level and 33.2 percent at the doctoral level), such programs do not directly enhance teachers’ subject-matter expertise in fields like mathematics, science, or language-areas that are crucial for improving student learning outcomes. For instance: master’s degrees in educational leadership (15,956) significantly outpaces English (11,557), math (9,177), and science (5,612). Likewise, doctorate degrees in educational leadership (1,276) eclipse English (1,064), math (692), and science (494). This SF7 data analysis clearly signals a sustained interest in supervisory and administrative roles-a pathway to the principal’s office or the coordinator’s desk.

While we commend the ambition and drive that propel teachers toward leadership, this prevalent focus on management comes at a critical time when our national education indicators-from learner assessments to research data-are loudly signaling an urgent need to strengthen classroom instruction and subject mastery.

Graduate studies should be a powerful crucible for teachers to deepen their content and pedagogical expertise, not merely a default path toward a nonteaching career. Not every exceptional teacher aspires to become a school head, nor should they feel obligated to do so. The nation needs specialists-experts in teaching fractions, deconstructing literature, or conducting science experiments-now more than ever.

When our teacher education institutions (TEIs) prioritize and promote programs in education management, they risk repeating the very specialization gaps that currently challenge hundreds of thousands of generalist teachers. Graduate school is the ideal opportunity for teachers to strengthen competencies that many, especially generalists, could not fully develop during their initial preservice years.

This makes it imperative to revisit and discuss the Civil Service Commission rules that mandate or heavily favor graduate degrees as a prerequisite for promotion. Teaching is unique; practice and classroom experience are as vital as theoretical knowledge. DepEd must, in turn, become more critical and nuanced in its promotion requirements, ensuring that career advancement genuinely rewards subject mastery and instructional excellence, rather than defaulting to general management degrees.

We must now see the full and decisive implementation of Commission on Higher Education’s recent quality assurance mechanism. This mechanism, as outlined in amendments to CHEd Memorandum Order Nos. 74 to 80 and 82, series of 2017, is designed to issue a notice of immediate program closure to TEIs that are consistently nonperforming in the licensure examination for teachers and noncompliant with minimum quality standards. The reality is that many institutions continue to operate despite consistently poor performance, including those with zero passing rates. CHEd must close these poor-performing and noncompliant programs to stop the flow of unprepared teachers and compel all TEIs to raise their standards.

Lastly, we implore TEIs to pivot their graduate offerings. Let us shift the mindset, placing improving learner outcomes at the front and center. Let the next wave of graduate students become content specialists and master pedagogues, ready to ignite curiosity in every classroom. True leadership in education begins not in the office, but at the front of the classroom, where content mastery inspires a generation.

Mark Bautista revealed that he once tried to court Sarah Geronimo early in their careers but that his attempt did not succeed.

In an interview on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ aired Thursday, Nov. 6, Bautista confirmed that he once pursued Geronimo when they were both newcomers in the entertainment industry.

‘Nag-attempt (I attempted), but I failed,’ Mark said candidly when host Boy Abunda asked about the rumored courtship. Abunda recalled that the courtship may have happened around 2007 or 2008.

Bautista and Geronimo both started in show biz through the 2003 reality singing competition ‘Star for a Night,’ hosted by Regine Velasquez.

Geronimo emerged as the grand winner, while Bautista finished as one of the finalists. The show marked the beginning of their respective successful music careers.

In the same interview, Bautista also admitted that he is currently dating a celebrity but did not disclose their identity.

‘I think dumating [na] (I think it came now). And I felt like, ‘Ay, shucks. Ito ‘yung taong komportable ako (Oh, shucks. This is the person I feel comfortable with), I can be myself,” he said. ‘My heart is in the right place.’

Bautista noted that this new person came into his life at a time when he had almost lost faith in love. ‘Matagal akong napu-frustrate. I kept asking myself, ‘Ako ba ang may problema? Masyado ba akong choosy? O hindi na ba ako marunong magmahal?” he shared.

(I was frustrated for a long time. I kept asking myself, ‘Am I the one with the problem? Am I too choosy? Or do I no longer know how to love?’)

In 2018, Bautista revealed in his book ‘Beyond the Mark’ that he had an ‘intimate relationship’ with a male friend. He publicly came out as bisexual around the same time.

In a 2024 interview, Bautista also shared that he never had a romantic relationship with a woman before but that he was still considering the idea of getting married and having his own family.

Casa de Memoria, the country’s premier European auction house under Palacio de Memoria, marked the holiday season with a special press preview for its ‘Casa: The Holiday Auction 032’ held on November 6, 2025, at Palacio de Memoria, Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque City. The event showcased the much-anticipated pieces featured in its holiday auction later in the month.

The afternoon gathering welcomed members of the press, art patrons, and collectors for an exclusive first look at the curated collection personally chosen by Casa de Memoria Director and General Manager Angelique Lhuillier and Camille Lhuillier-Albani, who led guests through a narrative of craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless artistry.

‘This season’s collection was inspired by the idea of thoughtful giving – pieces that were not only beautiful but meaningful,’ shared Angelique Lhuillier, noting that the auction embodied Casa’s signature mix of European elegance and historical depth. ‘Each lot was a story waiting to be rediscovered and passed on as a gift of legacy.’

Camille Lhuillier-Albani added, ‘We wanted this auction to feel like unwrapping history – where every piece, from a handcrafted frame to a fine silver set, held both beauty and sentiment. It was our way of bringing the spirit of the holidays into the world of collecting.’ The Holiday Auction 032 featured an array of exceptional pieces, including a Louis XV Cabinet adorned with intricate marquetry, a Louis XVI-style Secrétaire, and a 19th-century French Rococo gilt mirror, each reflecting the refined artistry of its time. Other highlights included a set of Swan Porcelain Planters from Antonio Zen, a Chinese Imari Charger depicting clashing dragons, and a pair of sterling silver pheasants symbolizing craftsmanship and luxury.

Beyond décor, Casa’s holiday auction celebrated art as a bridge between generations. The catalogue featured treasures such as ‘Inks and Waxes’ by Latvian artist Gerry Eckhardt, a metal sculpture of ‘Passarola’ by Clara Menéres, and Spanish and Portuguese silverworks, offering collectors pieces that embodied both cultural history and festive allure.

Guests at the preview also enjoyed a guided tour of Palacio de Memoria’s heritage spaces, where they experienced how European artistry continued to thrive within the Philippine setting. The atmosphere combined old-world grandeur with holiday warmth – echoing Casa de Memoria’s philosophy of ‘art with purpose and provenance.’

As the only auction house of its kind in the country, Casa de Memoria continued to position itself as a hub for meaningful acquisitions – where collecting became both a personal passion and a preservation of history. The Holiday Auction 032, powered by Invaluable, offered an opportunity for bidders to take home pieces that encapsulated the essence of fine living and enduring artistry.

‘I salute you with the respect of a comrade and the faith of a Commander-in-Chief.’

This was the message of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday as he commended the bravery of the Philippine Marines in fulfilling their duties to the Filipino people and the country.

In his speech at the 75th Philippine Marines ‘birthday celebrations’, Marcos renewed the government’s commitment to the Philippine Navy’s specialized unit with all the necessary modern tools to fulfill its mission.

‘Under my watch, we will continue to provide you the means to match the mandate that you bear,’ Marcos said.

‘Courage is your heartbeat. When others hesitate, you step forward. You are among the first to fight, you are the last to rest,’ the President said.

Marcos further said, ‘I assure you and your families the continued support, care, and necessary services from the government,’ the chief executive said.

Moreover, Marcos thanked them for choosing this noble cause of service.

‘Know I always stand with you. You have my full trust and confidence. As a proud member of the Marine Basic Officer Course Class of 01-79 who has marched and endured among you-I salute you with the respect of a comrade and the faith of a Commander-in-Chief,’ Marcos added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday attributed the immense volume of floodwaters that submerged several parts of Cebu during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) to some flood-control projects in the province.

He said this in a media statement following a situation briefing at Cebu Provincial Capitol.

‘We went to other places. The evacuation centers that were damaged. The real damage was from the flooding here in this storm, not so much from the strong winds,’ Marcos observed.

‘And we saw that the dikes and protections that were previously installed were not really able to withstand the weight, the amount of water that fell,’ he said.

Prior to the briefing, Marcos conducted an aerial inspection in the province to assess the destruction to properties caused by Typhoon Tino.

He then visited the Tiltilon Elementary School in Barangay Cotcot, in Liloan and the Talisay Sports Academy in Talisan City to oversee the distribution of assistance to evacuees.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Bohol has approved P5 million in financial assistance for five areas in Cebu that were severely affected by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi).

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said the aid will be distributed to the municipalities of Liloan, Talisay, Compostela, Consolacion, and Danao City, which were among the hardest hit by flash floods.

‘The province wants to extend help in this time of need,’ Aumentado said, noting Bohol’s solidarity with its neighboring province.

PDRRMO chief Anthony Damalerio said the provincial government is also stepping up preparations ahead of Severe Tropical Storm Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), which is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility late Friday evening or early Saturday morning.

Damalerio said a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting was held with concerned agencies to ensure coordinated response efforts.

He added that emergency operations centers across Bohol have been activated, food packs have been prepositioned, and search, rescue, and retrieval teams are now on standby in anticipation of possible impacts.

Local government units have also implemented their respective preparedness measures, with authorities reminding residents to stay alert and follow official advisories.

Last Wednesday, Bohol has declared a State of Emergency following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

Aumentado clarified that Bohol is under a State of Emergency, not a State of Calamity, explaining that the extent of damage caused by Typhoon Tino does not yet meet the legal threshold required for a calamity declaration.

‘We are declaring a State of Emergency to stay proactive. There’s a possibility of another weather disturbance following Typhoon Tino this weekend,’ Aumentado said.

He said the provincial government continues to conduct relief operations in coordination with local disaster councils, with food packs and other aid being distributed to affected families and evacuees in flood-hit towns.

Aumentado added that while the use of calamity funds remains limited under the current declaration, emergency measures are in place to ensure prompt response and assistance to affected residents.

Typhoon Tino battered Bohol earlier this week, displacing thousands of residents from low-lying and coastal communities and disrupting power supply and road access in several areas

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government is eyeing the relocation of Cebuanos who were displaced due to Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi).

This came after the discovery that the residents were able to build their houses in an area classified as a ‘no-build zone.’

‘We have people to relocate because many of the victims were in the no-build zone, and they were able to build houses in the no-build zone,’ Marcos said.

‘So they need to be relocated. So, that’s another thing we’re doing. We talked to the local government units here in Cebu, including the provinces, the municipalities, and the cities. We talked about how, where we’re going to put them because we’re relying on the LGU to find land, to house those who are going to be relocated,’ he continued.

Meanwhile, families whose houses were partially damaged and completely damaged received P5,000 and P10,000, respectively.

In the same statement, Marcos renewed his vow that the government will ensure that Cebu recovers from the typhoon and that all assistance will be given.

‘I made the same promise to Cebu, your Governor and your Mayor, that as long as the government, the national government, is needed, we will be here. We are not leaving. As long as your lives are well and we are no longer needed for the help we bring, then we will remain here,’ he said.

Marcos also reminded the local government of Cebu to always prepare for calamities going forward.

‘I also warned our local executives that there is a typhoon coming. Right now, we don’t think it will pass through the Visayas [looming Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong)], but everyone should still be careful. And we don’t know because sometimes it may move (to a different direction),’ he said.

Before the briefing, Marcos conducted an aerial inspection in the province to assess the destruction to properties caused by Typhoon Tino.

He then visited the Tiltilon Elementary School in Barangay Cotcot, in Liloan, and the Talisay Sports Academy in Talisan City to oversee the distribution of assistance to evacuees.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has ordered the dismissal of a Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) instructor found guilty of grave misconduct over a sexual assault complaint filed by a cadet.

Police Maj. Anthony France Ramos was dismissed after the commission found him liable for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, Napolcom said in a decision released Thursday.

The case arose from a July 31 incident inside Ramos’ quarters at the PNPA in Silang, Cavite.

The cadet accused Ramos of forcing him to perform oral sex. Responding officers, Police Maj. Jay Zamora and Police Capt. Mark Daniel Maraquilla said they found the cadet visibly distressed at the scene.

‘Despicable’

The commission said Ramos abused his authority to obtain sexual gratification, violating Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code on acts of lasciviousness and breaching police ethical standards.

‘The Napolcom will never condone any act of sexual misconduct by anyone in the police force, regardless of rank,’ Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said in a statement.

‘Major Ramos’ acts are despicable and should be strongly condemned and punished. He is unfit to continue wearing the police uniform,’ he added.

Calinisan said the ruling underscores the commission’s zero-tolerance policy for immorality and abuse of power in the police service.

The PNPA, which trains future officers of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Fire Protection, has faced scrutiny in recent years over misconduct cases involving cadets and instructors.

Napolcom said it would continue enforcing strict accountability within the academy.

Mayor Maila Rosario Ting-Que has ordered the suspension of all in-person and online classes at all levels – both in public and private schools – on Nov. 10, as preparations intensify for the expected impact of Severe Tropical Storm Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) across Cagayan Valley and northern Luzon.

Que said the suspension also covers law, medicine, and graduate Studies.

She advised that schools may adopt alternative learning delivery modes, such as modular or asynchronous distance learning, ‘to ensure the continuity of the students’ learning experience despite the weather conditions.’

However, the mayor noted that ‘the safety of learners remains the top priority,’ given possible disruptions such as power outages, flooding, and poor internet connectivity.

Likewise, government work has been suspended, except for medical personnel, disaster responders, and other essential frontliners.

Meanwhile, the Magat Dam in Isabela continued releasing water on Friday, discharging 372 cubic meters per second through one spill gate raised to a three-meter-high opening, starting at 9 a.m.

The dam’s reservoir water level was recorded at 187.60 meters above sea level, with an inflow of 431.15 cubic meters per second and an outflow of 758.28 cubic meters per second.

Engineer Carlo Ablan, division manager of the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System, urged residents living near rivers and other waterways to stay alert and evacuate preemptively if advised by their local governments